Nutrition

Nutritional Management During Head and Neck Cancer Treatments

Individuals being treated for head and neck cancer faces unique, and sometimes very difficult, challenges eating and maintaining a healthy nutrition level during treatment. Treatments for head and neck cancer can cause side effects including weight loss, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, low blood counts and increased risk of infection.

These side effects can inhibit patients’ ability to stay nourished and interfere with treatment. In addition, depending upon the treatment plan, patients may experience discomfort and pain in chewing and swallowing, as well as loss of taste.

The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance provides the following recommendations to help patients maintain healthy nutrition during cancer treatment.

THINK “SOFT” DIET

With the oral, head and neck cancer diet, opt for soft and moist foods, which can help alleviate some of the painful side effects of eating during and post treatment.

Invest in a blender to puree fruits and vegetables, and create soups.

MAINTAIN HYDRATION

Be sure to drink plenty of water and liquids to minimize dry mouth symptoms.

WHIP UP PROTEIN SHAKES

Add plenty of protein in your diet to help to meet nutritional needs.

Make shakes or smoothies out of protein powder, low-fat milk, soy milk, or rice milk, and add a flavorful fruit.

Look for a protein powder that contains whey.

ADD CANCER-FIGHTING FOODS

High levels of phytochemicals from plants build up the immune system and help fight infections, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is beneficial.

Red berries and green tea are beneficial in a cancer-fighting diet.

CONSIDER FISH OIL

Fish oils contain fatty acids that are an important part of the oral, head and neck cancer diet.

Fish oils come in liquid or capsules.

Fish oils contain natural anti-inflammatory properties.

Fish oils promote healing and help maintain weight.

AVOID FOODS THAT CAUSE DISCOMFORT

Cut out foods that are sharp and crunchy and require a lot of chewing.

Limit foods that are spicy or acidic, as they can cause mouth pain.

Rule out drinks or foods that contain alcohol.

Discuss Nutritional Supplements with your Doctor

Vitamin supplements, especially vitamins D and B, are important.

Zinc may stimulate taste, which is important in the oral, head and neck cancer diet.

Online Recipe Cards:

The HNCA is offering some simple online recipes that head and neck cancer patients, survivors and/or caregivers can try at home.

HNCA is seeking nutritious and tasty home-created smoothie recipes for head and neck cancer patients and survivors. By submitting your very own recipe, you may have the opportunity to win a Vitamix® Blender and have your homemade recipe featured in the soon-to-be-released HNCA Cookbook.

Your Cancer Game Plan

The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance has recently collaborated with NFL Hall of Famer and oral cancer survivor Jim Kelly, Merck, Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC), and Savor Health on a head and neck cancer-specific program, Your Cancer Game Plan.

Your Cancer Game Plan, www.YourCancerGamePlan.com serves as a central hub for those living with head and neck cancer and their loved ones as they take an active role in developing a “game plan” to address the emotional, nutritional and communication needs of their cancer journey.

Your Cancer Game Plan offers an online Nutrition Guide with practical tips on staying healthy through one’s head and neck cancer journey.